Business Action | Winter 2022
Winter 2022 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes features on Bude, business support, broadband and the launch of the North Devon Business Awards 2023 plus local business directory listings.
Winter 2022 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes features on Bude, business support, broadband and the launch of the North Devon Business Awards 2023 plus local business directory listings.
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usiness<br />
ACTION<br />
north enterprise<br />
devon<br />
growth<br />
innovation<br />
news & views<br />
business-action.co.uk | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | @businessactionm
CONTENTS WELCOME HEADER<br />
business<br />
ACTION<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> CONTENTS<br />
Welcome................................................................................................................. ii<br />
Now is time for action....................................................................................... 1<br />
3 steps to buy local............................................................................................ 1<br />
Food academy...................................................................................................... 2<br />
Winning Devon curls......................................................................................... 2<br />
Initiative to save energy................................................................................... 2<br />
<strong>Business</strong> directory: Find products and services................................. 3<br />
Support: Training to help achieve your business success.............. 4<br />
Support: 30 hours of free electron microscopy.................................... 4<br />
Insurance: Mutual benefits............................................................................. 5<br />
Technology: Double accreditation for Barnstaple firm...................... 5<br />
Bude: Accessible and flexible business support................................. 6<br />
Bude: Bude businesses make connections........................................... 7<br />
Bude: Keeping fit for business..................................................................... 7<br />
Superfast broadband provider seeks to leave no stone unturned 9<br />
Age is no barrier to learning.......................................................................... 10<br />
Art: Distinctly recognisable pastels........................................................... 11<br />
BBxpo <strong>2022</strong>: All the support you need for your business............... 12<br />
BBxpo <strong>2022</strong>: Good coffee and contacts ................................................ 13<br />
New boss looks to widen construction appeal .................................... 14<br />
North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards 2023 ........................................................ 17<br />
Vol 4 Issue 4 – <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />
YOUR EDITOR<br />
Robert Zarywacz<br />
Editor & Publisher<br />
t: 07971 176044<br />
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />
@robertz<br />
Welcome to this issue of<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>magazine,<br />
whichmarksfouryearsof<br />
publishinginNorthDevon.<br />
Whenwelaunched,who<br />
knewthatwewouldweathera<br />
worldwidepandemic,avirtual<br />
warandanenergycrisis?<br />
Yetstillwearehereand<br />
lookingforwardtostartingour<br />
fifthyear.<br />
Therecanbenodoubtthat<br />
thiswinterand2023willbring<br />
businessesinNorthDevon<br />
hugechallenges,soit’s<br />
importantthatweallenjoythe<br />
ChristmasandNewYear<br />
holidayperiodandrefresh<br />
ourselvesfortheyearahead.<br />
Weareheretosupportyou!<br />
Made in North Devon<br />
Ourcoverimagethismonth<br />
featuresNorthDevonproducts:<br />
Combe Brewing Company<br />
BeachBlondelightalefrom<br />
Ilfracombe–facebook.com/<br />
CombeBrewingCompany<br />
Dartington Crystal<br />
Glassbeertankardfrom<br />
Torrington–dartington.co.uk<br />
Ten Acres Vineyard<br />
WhiteBuzzardExtraBrut<br />
sparklingwhitewineproduced<br />
withSeyvalBlancgrapesfrom<br />
Winkleigh–<br />
tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk<br />
Bideford Pottery<br />
BreadbrickfromBideford–<br />
bidefordpottery.co.uk<br />
We’realwaysinterestedin<br />
featuringproducts<br />
manufacturedinthearea–<br />
pleasecontactusaboutthe<br />
productsyoumake.<br />
Wealsoinviteyoutoenter<br />
yourproductsinourMadein<br />
NorthDevonAward2023–<br />
enterfrom27December<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
Enter the Made in North Devon Award at<br />
business-action.co.uk/awards<br />
Editing & design by<br />
Web site | business-action.co.uk<br />
Online version | business-action.uk<br />
t: 07971 176044<br />
Printed by<br />
© Need it Find it <strong>2022</strong>. All information in this magazine is published in good faith. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it. Articles<br />
included in this supplement do not constitute business advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional before taking any action<br />
on any topic discussed in the supplement and to check full terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.<br />
ii<br />
business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
BUY HEADER LOCAL<br />
North Devon production: (from left) Anthony Slingo of NFU Mutual Barnstaple<br />
and Bideford, sponsor of our <strong>Business</strong> Awards 2023 Winner Event, chats to<br />
Paul Mitchell of Jamaica Press at BBxpo in October<br />
Now is time for action<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>hasalways<br />
championedlocalproducers<br />
andurgedbusinessesand<br />
residentstobuyfromNorth<br />
Devonsuppliers.<br />
Werecognisethatthisisnot<br />
alwaysaneasyoption.Isthe<br />
productorserviceweneed<br />
availableinNorthDevon?Ifit<br />
is,howdowefindit?<br />
Wealsohavetoweighup<br />
cost,whichwithinflation<br />
increasing,becomesaneven<br />
biggerconsiderationforboth<br />
businessesandconsumers.<br />
Yetlocalbusinessesgenerate<br />
thejobswhichprovidethe<br />
incomeweusetomake<br />
purchases–it’sacircular<br />
economy.<br />
Withoutlocalbusinesses,<br />
thecommunitybecomes<br />
poorer,especiallyassome<br />
nationalcompanies–including<br />
banksandretailers–close<br />
officesandwithdrawfromour<br />
highstreets.<br />
Nowitismoreimportant<br />
thanevertosupportlocal,<br />
independentbusinesses.<br />
How are we helping?<br />
Forsomewhile,wehavesought<br />
tobringprintingofthis<br />
magazine–ourbiggestsingle<br />
cost–toalocalprinter.<br />
Thepublicationisfunded<br />
solelybyadvertisingfrom<br />
NorthDevonbusinesses,so<br />
spendingthismoneywitha<br />
localprinterretainsitinthe<br />
localeconomytobenefitother<br />
localbusinessesand,through<br />
wages,localresidents.<br />
Printed in North Devon<br />
Wearedelightedtoannounce<br />
thatthisissueof<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>hasbeenprintedby<br />
JamaicaPressinBideford.<br />
Aswellashavinga<br />
reputationforqualityand<br />
service,JamaicaPressisitselfa<br />
championoflocalbusinesses.<br />
Itiscommittedtobeingan<br />
accountablebusiness,providing<br />
anaccessible,personalservice<br />
thatonlineprintservicesare<br />
unabletomatch.<br />
■ Details01237452333or<br />
jamaicapress.co.uk<br />
3 steps to buy local<br />
Slogansandcampaignsalone<br />
achievenothing.<br />
Switchingfromlargeor<br />
onlineretailersrequires<br />
changesinhabitwhichrequire<br />
ustomakeabigeffort.<br />
1. Before you buy, stop!<br />
It’ssoeasytobuyfromthe<br />
firstonlineretaileryoufind,<br />
butinfuturestopthere.<br />
2. Explore local suppliers<br />
Thinkifyouknowofalocal<br />
storeorsupplier.Searchfor<br />
oneonlineorvisityourlocal<br />
shopsandbusinesses.Itmight<br />
takealittlelonger,butthen<br />
fewpurchasesareurgent.<br />
3. Ask a business<br />
Unlikemanylargebusinesses,<br />
smallerbusinessesareoften<br />
willingandavailabletodiscuss<br />
preciselywhatyouneedand<br />
orderitforyou.<br />
Every £ you switch helps<br />
Youdon’thavetoswitchall<br />
yourspendinglocally,just<br />
realisethateverypurchase<br />
withalocalbusinesshelps.<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 1
Food academy<br />
Doyouhaveamemberof<br />
kitchenstaffwhowould<br />
benefitfromlearningnew<br />
skills?Areyoulookingfornew<br />
dishestoaddtoyourmenu?<br />
Petrochasdesignedaseries<br />
ofone-dayworkshopsthat<br />
havebeentailoredtoenhance<br />
theirculinaryskillsinareas<br />
suchas:<br />
➤ Pastryandcakes<br />
➤ Fishandshellfish<br />
➤ Vegetarianmeals<br />
➤ Breads<br />
➤ Meatandpoultry<br />
➤ Andmore!<br />
WorkshopsstartinJanuary.<br />
■ Fordetailsemail<br />
projects@petroc.ac.uk<br />
Need it<br />
Find it<br />
A collaborationbetweenthe<br />
Sustainable<strong>Business</strong>Resource<br />
(SBR)–partofPlasticFree<br />
NorthDevon–and361<br />
EnergyCICisproviding<br />
supporttolocalbusinesseson<br />
theroadtodecarbonisation,<br />
savingenergyandpotentially<br />
moneyalongtheway.<br />
Thecollaborationwillallow<br />
theSBRand361Energyto<br />
synergisetheirresourcesand<br />
expertisetomoreeffectively<br />
deliverthecorevaluesofboth<br />
organisations.Theyaimto:<br />
➤ assistorganisationstonet<br />
zerocarbonby2030<br />
➤ eliminatetheuseofsingle<br />
useplasticsandmaterials<br />
➤ adviseorganisationson<br />
theircarbonfootprintand<br />
measurestoreducethis<br />
➤ providesustainability<br />
auditsandreports<br />
➤ coordinatesustainability<br />
groupsforthecommon<br />
goodandtheplanet<br />
➤ facilitateengagementwith<br />
environmentaland<br />
biodiversitygroups<br />
Thetwoorganisationshad<br />
alreadybeenworking<br />
NEWS<br />
Winning Devon curls<br />
Tori KiffoftheHairLoungeinBarnstaplehasbeennamed<br />
CurlyStylistoftheYear<strong>2022</strong>forDevonintheSalonAwards.<br />
Tori,winnerofthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>ConsumerService<br />
ExcellenceAward<strong>2022</strong>,launchedtheHairLoungein2014and<br />
hasestablishedasalonthatprovidesatrulypersonalserviceto<br />
clientsfromallbackgrounds.<br />
Whenacceptingher<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>awardatthe<br />
LandmarkTheatre,Torimentionedhowshefocusedoncurly<br />
hairandhopedtoberegardedasaspecialist,whichherlatest<br />
awardnowconfirms.<br />
Torisays:“Ifocusonthepersonbeneaththehair”and<br />
demonstratesthisbymakingsureherclientsareatease.As<br />
wellasindustrytrainingfocusingonhair,shehascompleted<br />
herBarberTalksandMentalHealthFirstAid.Shehasalso<br />
achievedBehindTheMaskcertificationandregularlyupdates<br />
herMASCEDtrainingtohelppreventandeducateclientson<br />
therisksofskincancerandmelanoma.<br />
■ Details01271267177orhairloungebarnstaple.co.uk<br />
separatelyundertheir<br />
respectiveremitstowardsthese<br />
goals,withtheSBRfocusingon<br />
smallandmedium-sized<br />
enterprises(SMEs)inNorth<br />
Devonand361Energy<br />
completingsimilarworkinthe<br />
non-commercialsector,sosaw<br />
acollaborationasanideal<br />
opportunitytopoolresources<br />
andbecomestrongertogether.<br />
TomBedwell,sustainability<br />
advisorattheSustainable<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Resource,hasanMSc<br />
inenvironmentalmanagement<br />
andexperienceinbothprivate<br />
andpublicsectors–ranging<br />
4 copies of <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />
magazine posted to you,<br />
12-month online listing<br />
& 4 business listings<br />
for £30 per year<br />
Book at needitfindit.uk<br />
Initiative to save energy<br />
Exhibiting at BBxpo: (from left) Tom Bedwell of the Sustainable <strong>Business</strong><br />
Resource and Martin Slocombe of 361 Energy<br />
frommanagementinnational<br />
retailtoprojectmanagement<br />
ofbuildingandITprojects.<br />
MartinSlocombeisadirector<br />
of361Energy,memberofthe<br />
InstituteofEnvironmental<br />
Management&Assessment<br />
andassociateChartered<br />
Environmentalist.Together<br />
theyformabroadknowledge<br />
andexperiencebase.<br />
ClaireMoodie,chief<br />
executiveofPlasticFreeNorth<br />
Devon,explainswhythe<br />
collaborationwasthenext<br />
obviousstepfortheSBR<br />
project:“OurSustainable<br />
HERE<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Resourceisdesigned<br />
tocutthroughthenoiseand<br />
provideapractical<br />
consultancyservicetailoredto<br />
smallbusinesses,providinga<br />
detailedauditandassessment<br />
withaclearactionplanfor<br />
effectingchange.<br />
“Thepowerandopportunity<br />
lieswithinhowwedobusiness<br />
withinourcommunities,and<br />
recognisingthetruevalueof<br />
beingasustainablebusiness.”<br />
MartinSlocombeadds:<br />
“Thisisagreatcollaboration;<br />
itishugelybeneficialtoboth<br />
organisationstobeableto<br />
shareourknowledgeandbest<br />
practice.Itenablesusto<br />
deliveramorecomprehensive<br />
end-to-endservice.”<br />
Thecollaborationhas<br />
alreadyseentheteamworking<br />
withlocalfarmers,proposals<br />
forengagementsinschools,<br />
andsittingontheGreen<br />
EconomyGroupandthenew<br />
EnergyServicesCompany<br />
(ESCO)steeringgroupforthe<br />
Devonrollout.<br />
■ Detailstom@thesbr.org.uk<br />
ormartin@361energy.org<br />
2 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
DIRECTORY<br />
ACCOUNTANTS<br />
Cranford <strong>Business</strong> Services<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 488077<br />
w: accountsindevon.co.uk<br />
JD Accountants (South West) Ltd<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 378606<br />
AESTHETIC CLINICS<br />
Orchard Clinic<br />
Bideford<br />
w: orchardclinic.net<br />
ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS<br />
Old Folding Maps<br />
South Molton<br />
t: 01769 573935<br />
w: foldingmaps.co.uk<br />
BRANDING & DESIGN<br />
Boom Boom Media<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 326694<br />
w: boomboommedia.co.uk<br />
BrandLanterns<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 372620<br />
w: brandlanterns.co.uk<br />
BREWERY<br />
Combe Brewing Company<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 07973 488409<br />
w: facebook.com/<br />
CombeBrewingCompany<br />
GT Ales<br />
Chivenor<br />
t: 01271 267420<br />
w: gtales.co.uk<br />
BUILDING SUPPLIES<br />
Heritage Cob and Lime<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 477431<br />
w: heritagecobandlime.com<br />
RGB Building Supplies<br />
Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,<br />
Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,<br />
Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South<br />
Molton, Tiverton<br />
w: rgbltd.co.uk<br />
BUSINESS ADVISORS<br />
Pound Lane Financial Management<br />
North Devon<br />
t: 07801 199671<br />
w: poundlane.co.uk<br />
BUSINESS COACHING<br />
Accelerate <strong>Business</strong> Consultancy<br />
& Solutions<br />
Bude<br />
t: 07865 098253<br />
w: accelerate-business.co.uk<br />
CAR SALES & SERVICING<br />
Blights Motors<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 472282<br />
w: blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY<br />
James Doble Commercial<br />
North Devon<br />
t: 01237 424053<br />
w: jd-commercial.co.uk<br />
CONSTRUCTION<br />
Advanced Scaffolding<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 321100<br />
w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />
COPIERS & PRINTERS<br />
Clarity Copiers North Devon<br />
Barnstaple & North Devon<br />
t: 01271 374061<br />
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk<br />
COPYWRITING & MARKETING<br />
Zarywacz<br />
North Devon & UK<br />
t: 01271 879100<br />
w: z2z.com<br />
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY<br />
Devon Counselling Training<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 07522 841009<br />
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk<br />
North Devon Counselling<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 07872 501606<br />
w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk<br />
DIGITAL & WEB SITES<br />
Kameleon<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 375100<br />
w: kameleondigital.uk<br />
Peak Online<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 721256<br />
w: peak-online.uk<br />
DINING<br />
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 01271 863482<br />
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />
The Royal George<br />
Appledore<br />
t: 01237 424 138<br />
w: trgpub.co.uk<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
North Devon Biosphere<br />
North Devon<br />
t: 01392 388647<br />
w: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk<br />
FINANCE<br />
SWIG Finance<br />
North Devon & South West<br />
t: 01872 227 932<br />
w: swigfinance.co.uk<br />
FINANCIAL ADVISERS<br />
D Scott Financial<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 426450<br />
w: dscottfinancial.co.uk<br />
Philip J Milton & Co Plc<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 344300<br />
w: miltonpj.net<br />
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING<br />
Gardenscapes Devon<br />
Torrington<br />
t: 07799 478318<br />
w: gardenscapesdevon.co.uk<br />
HEALTH & SAFETY<br />
Safety Supplies Direct<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 377558<br />
w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk<br />
HOLIDAY COTTAGES<br />
Marsdens Devon Cottages<br />
North Devon<br />
t: 01271 813777<br />
w: marsdens.co.uk<br />
HOTELS<br />
The Carlton<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 01271 862446<br />
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />
HUMAN RESOURCES<br />
Fitzgerald HR<br />
Barnstaple, Exeter, London &<br />
Wellington<br />
t: 01271 859267<br />
w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk<br />
INSURANCE<br />
NFU Mutual Barnstaple & Bideford<br />
Barnstaple & Bideford<br />
t: 01271 343592<br />
w: nfumutual.co.uk/agent-offices/<br />
barnstaple<br />
Together Insurance Solutions<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 347147<br />
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk<br />
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT<br />
International Trade Matters Ltd<br />
Bampton<br />
t: 01398 332881<br />
w: internationaltradematters.com<br />
IT<br />
Lineal Software Solutions<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 375999<br />
w: lineal.co.uk<br />
JOINERY & CARPENTRY<br />
Bespoke Timber Joinery &<br />
Carpentry<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 603411<br />
w: bespoketimberjc.co.uk<br />
LOCKSMITHS<br />
SW Locksmiths<br />
Holsworthy / Bude<br />
t: 01409 255533<br />
w: swlocksmiths.com<br />
MANUFACTURERS<br />
The Clovelly Soap Company<br />
Clovelly<br />
t: 01237 432280<br />
w: theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />
Smart Manufacturing<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 471977<br />
w: smart-manufacturing.co.uk<br />
Taw Tech<br />
Pottington<br />
t: 01271 377688<br />
w: tawtech.com<br />
MASSAGE & BEAUTY<br />
Essential Bodyworkx<br />
South Molton<br />
t: 01769 574474<br />
w: essentialbodyworkx.co.uk<br />
NETWORKING GROUPS<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Networking in Barnstaple<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 0843 289 1339<br />
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk<br />
North Devon Networking Group<br />
Barnstaple<br />
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk<br />
Torridge <strong>Business</strong> Networking<br />
Westward Ho!<br />
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk<br />
➤ Listinginfourissuesof<br />
magazinewithbusiness<br />
nameandcategory,phone<br />
number,websiteandtown.<br />
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />
needitfindit.ukNorth<br />
OFFICE SUPPLIES<br />
South West Office Supplies<br />
North Devon<br />
t: 01271 889337<br />
w: swofficesupplies.co.uk<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
We Shoot Any Product<br />
Chivenor<br />
t: 01271 316886<br />
w: weshootanyproduct.com<br />
PRINTING<br />
Jamaica Press<br />
Buckland Brewer<br />
t: 01237 452333<br />
w: jamaicapress.co.uk<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
Cooper Golding<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 349745<br />
w: coopergolding.co.uk<br />
RETAILERS<br />
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 01271 867193<br />
w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk<br />
Pedlars<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 01271 863509<br />
w: Facebook @pedlarsofilfracombe<br />
SHEDS<br />
SHEDS 4 you<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 459193<br />
w: sheds4you.co.uk<br />
SIGNS<br />
Doubleuprint<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436<br />
w: doubleuprint.co.uk<br />
The Sign Maker<br />
High Bickington<br />
t: 01769 561355<br />
w: sign-maker.net<br />
SOLICITORS<br />
Slee Blackwell Solicitors<br />
Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,<br />
South Molton<br />
t: 0808 139 1606<br />
w: sleeblackwell.co.uk<br />
SPORTS EQUIPMENT<br />
Aramis Rugby<br />
South Molton<br />
t: 01769 550284<br />
w: aramisrugby.co.uk<br />
TRAVEL AGENTS<br />
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors<br />
North Devon & UK<br />
t: 01271 828990<br />
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint<br />
WILLS<br />
Wills at Home<br />
West Yelland<br />
t: 01271 860105<br />
w: wills-athome.co.uk<br />
✹ New entries shown in red<br />
BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Directory<br />
withbusinessnameand<br />
category,logo,phone<br />
number,addressandlinks.<br />
➤ 4issuesofmagazinemailed<br />
directtoyourUKaddress.<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 3
FEEL ELECTRIC<br />
TRADE UP, PLUG IN<br />
AT BLIGHTS MOTORS<br />
Training to help achieve<br />
your business success<br />
South West-basedsocial<br />
enterpriseCSWGroupis<br />
celebratingafterhelpingto<br />
providefully-fundedtraining<br />
anddevelopmentprogrammes<br />
tomorethan1,000participants<br />
injust16months.<br />
SMARTSKILLSlaunchedin<br />
April2021whenmanypeople<br />
wereworkingfromhomeand<br />
hasnowsupportedmorethan<br />
250businessesandover1,000<br />
oftheiremployeesinDevon.Its<br />
aimistoenableindividualsto<br />
upskillandhelpemployeesto<br />
progressintheirexistingcareers<br />
orprepareforanewrole.<br />
Offeringbothface-to-face<br />
teachingandonlinelearning,<br />
trainingsolutionsareaimedat<br />
supportingskillsrequirements<br />
acrossthewholeofDevon.<br />
Don’t miss out – apply now<br />
Theprogrammeisduetowrap<br />
upin2023andCSWisurging<br />
local,Devon-basedbusinesses<br />
ofallsizesandsectorstogetin<br />
touchandtakeupthefunding<br />
onoffer.<br />
“Theprojecthasover12<br />
monthsremainingtoutilisethe<br />
£3.5millionoffundingfrom<br />
theEuropeanSocialFund.<br />
After2023,thefundingceases<br />
andthat’swhywearekeenfor<br />
somanybusinessestotake<br />
advantage,”saysSeanGibson,<br />
SMARTSKILLSpartnership<br />
andengagementmanager.<br />
“Thereisabeliefthataccess<br />
tothisleveloffundingfor<br />
trainingmaynotbeseenagain,<br />
sonowisagreattimetofind<br />
outhowSMARTSKILLScan<br />
bridgetheskillsgapsinDevon<br />
andsupporteconomicgrowth.<br />
OnespecificareathatCSW<br />
identifiedearlyonwastheneed<br />
formoreskilledtrainingin<br />
MentalHealthFirstAidacross<br />
allbusinesssectors.<br />
Accreditedtrainingin<br />
MentalHealthFirstAidisnow<br />
oneoftheirfastest-growingand<br />
mostin-demandcoursesand<br />
theCSWteamsseebetter<br />
mentalhealthprovisioninthe<br />
workplaceasahugepartofthe<br />
programme’slegacy.<br />
Setcoursesandqualifications<br />
arejustasmallpartofwhat’s<br />
onoffer.Manycompaniesthat<br />
havebenefitedfromthe<br />
fundingavailablehadunique<br />
trainingrequirementsandwere<br />
offeredabespokesolutionto<br />
matchtheirneeds.<br />
“Iwouldencourage<br />
businessestohavealookatthe<br />
trainingpackagesthatwehave<br />
availableandiftheydon’tsee<br />
whatthey’relookingfortoget<br />
intouch.Thereisapossibility<br />
thatwehavethedelivery<br />
expertsavailabletocreatethe<br />
typeoftailoredworkshops<br />
theircompanyneeds,”added<br />
SeanGibson.<br />
Targeting North Devon<br />
“Wehavehelpedbusinesses<br />
acrossthewholeofDevonbut<br />
havehadsignificantinterestin<br />
thelargercities,”saysMichael<br />
Sharman,businessskills<br />
adviserforSMARTSKILLS.<br />
“Wewanttomakesurethat<br />
allareasaresupportedandso<br />
havebeenattendingeventsand<br />
buildingawarenessinmore<br />
ruralcommunities.Ouraimis<br />
toreachevenmoreemployers<br />
whomaybeunawareofthe<br />
supportthatisavailableandthe<br />
benefitthatitoffers.”<br />
■ Don’tmissoutonsupport<br />
foryourbusiness–finddetails<br />
oftrainingavailableat<br />
smart-skills-hub.co.uk<br />
SUPPORT<br />
FAMILY RUN FOR 89 YEARS<br />
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Bideford<br />
HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET<br />
01237 472282<br />
www.blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
30 hours of free<br />
electron microscopy<br />
PEMC(PlymouthElectron<br />
MicroscopyCentre)isoffering<br />
DevonSMEsupto30hoursof<br />
freeelectronmicroscopywith<br />
fullacademicsupport.<br />
Thiscouldbeusedforfault<br />
analysis,proofofconcept,<br />
alienparticulatesortocreate<br />
stunningmicroscopeimages.<br />
Theserviceispartfunded<br />
throughaEuropeanRegion<br />
DevelopmentFund(ERDF)<br />
project:PlymouthMaterials<br />
CharacterisationNetwork<br />
(PMCN).<br />
PEMCisalsointerestedin<br />
creatingcasestudieswith<br />
businesses,whichcanbe<br />
effectivemarketingtools.<br />
<strong>Business</strong>escanleadthecase<br />
studiesand,ifsensitive,PEMC<br />
cansetupanon-disclosure<br />
agreementsothattheyprotect<br />
andretaintheirintellectual<br />
property(IP)rights.<br />
PEMChasworkedwith<br />
LangageFarmtoanalysethe<br />
formationoflargewaterice<br />
crystalsandotheritems,<br />
whichsupporteditinsecuring<br />
amajorsupermarketdeal.<br />
JayneStanyer,projectand<br />
knowledgeexchangemanager,<br />
PMCN,says:“Ifthissounds<br />
likesomethingyoucoulduse,<br />
pleasegetintouchandIcan<br />
setupavirtualmeetingto<br />
discussyourrequirementsor<br />
whatwecanoffer.”<br />
■ Detailsemc@plymouth.ac.uk<br />
orplymouth.ac.uk/about-us/<br />
university-structure/faculties/<br />
science-engineering/electronmicroscopy-centre<br />
4 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
NFU Mutual,asalargenational<br />
insurer,understandsthe<br />
importanceofbeingpartofthe<br />
localcommunityandthevalue<br />
offace-to-faceservice.<br />
Ithasbeenproviding<br />
insurancesince1910,continues<br />
tomaintain295agencyoffices<br />
throughouttheUKandits<br />
recentlymergedBarnstapleand<br />
Bidefordagencyis<br />
strengtheningthepersonal,<br />
localserviceitprovidesto<br />
NorthDevoncustomers.<br />
Manypeopleareawareofits<br />
strongassociationwiththe<br />
farmingsector,butmightnot<br />
realisethatNFUMutual<br />
providesmanyinsurance<br />
productsforindividualsaswell<br />
asbusinessesinmanysectors,<br />
fromretailandhospitalityto<br />
manufacturing.Itsproducts<br />
rangefromhomeandmotorto<br />
businessinsuranceandmore.<br />
Aswellasofferingabroad<br />
insuranceportfolio,NFU<br />
Mutualhasbeennamedas<br />
Which?InsuranceBrandofthe<br />
Year<strong>2022</strong>“inrecognitionofits<br />
exemplaryservice,demonstrated<br />
byitscustomerserviceand<br />
claimsscores”.<br />
Asamutualorganisation,<br />
NFUMutualisownedbyand<br />
worksonbehalfofits900,000+<br />
customersandthisisreflected<br />
initsmissiontochampion<br />
ruralcauses,safeguardthe<br />
countrysideandgivebackto<br />
thepublic.<br />
NEWS<br />
Mutual benefits<br />
Maintaining local business relationships: (from left) NFU Mutual<br />
Barnstaple & Bideford Agents Barry Llewellyn-Rees and Jonathan May<br />
NFUMutualBarnstapleand<br />
Bidefordisrunbyagents<br />
JonathanMayandBarry<br />
Llewellyn-Rees.Bothnotonly<br />
grewupinNorthDevon,but<br />
alsoworkedinternationally.<br />
Jonathangrewupin<br />
Torringtonandcaptained<br />
luxuryyachtsacrosstheworld,<br />
butwhenstartingafamily<br />
knewthatNorthDevonwas<br />
wherehewantedtobe:“North<br />
Devonissafe,friendlyanda<br />
greatplacetobringupafamily.”<br />
BarrygrewupinIlfracombe<br />
andworkedinCanadaforfour<br />
years,andhetoomadethe<br />
decisiontoraisehisfamilyin<br />
NorthDevon.<br />
AsagentsforNFUMutual,<br />
theirpositionsenablethemnot<br />
onlytoliveintheirchosen<br />
area,butalsotoworkclosely<br />
withthecommunity.<br />
JonathanandBarrymanage<br />
ateamof16,manyofwhom<br />
havebeenwiththebusinessfor<br />
between8and15yearswhile<br />
twomembershave30years’<br />
service.Thisenablestheteam<br />
tobuildandmaintainlongtermrelationshipsandprovide<br />
thecontinuitywhichmany<br />
clientsvaluestrongly.<br />
“Wearelocalandpersonal,”<br />
saysBarry.“Weprideourselves<br />
ongoingoutandtalkingto<br />
customersandtheadvicewe<br />
givebusinesses.”<br />
Duringthepandemic,most<br />
businesseswereforcedtoadopt<br />
someformofremoteworking<br />
andsomehavecontinuedtodo<br />
so.JonathanandBarrysaythat<br />
businessownerstellthemthat<br />
previouslytheyhadgood<br />
relationshipswithproviders<br />
beforethepandemic,butthatit<br />
ismoredifficulttomaintain<br />
thesewhenproviderswithdraw<br />
theirlocalpresence.<br />
Onereasonformergingthe<br />
NFUMutualBarnstapleand<br />
BidefordagenciesinAprilwas<br />
toensureitcontinuesproviding<br />
thein-personservicethat<br />
clientsclearlydesireandto<br />
increasecapacityasmore<br />
businessownerslookfora<br />
genuinelylocalservice.<br />
“Weknowthatbusinesses<br />
wantalocalservice,goodvalue<br />
formoneyandforsomeone<br />
wholistensandunderstands<br />
theirneeds,”addsJonathan.<br />
■ Details01271343592or<br />
nfumutual.co.uk/agentoffices/barnstaple<br />
2023 awards event sponsor<br />
NFUMutualBarnstapleand<br />
Bidefordissupportingthe<br />
localbusinesscommunityas<br />
sponsoroftheNorthDevon<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Awards2023<br />
WinnersCelebrationon<br />
Thursday11Mayatthe<br />
LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe.<br />
Isyourbusinessawinner?<br />
Findoutbyenteringthe<br />
awards–detailsonpage17.<br />
Double accreditation for Barnstaple technology firm<br />
A Barnstaple-based<br />
technologycompanyhasbeen<br />
awardedtwoUKASaccredited<br />
ISOCertifications–ISO9001<br />
andISO27001.<br />
LinealSoftwareSolutions<br />
Ltd.wasawardedthetwo<br />
internationallyrecognised<br />
industrystandardsin<br />
November,achievingarare<br />
doublecertificationinquality<br />
managementandinformation<br />
securitymanagement.<br />
TheITandmanagedservices<br />
providerworksacrossawide<br />
rangeoftechnicalservices<br />
fromITsupporttosoftware<br />
development,cybersecurity<br />
andtelecommunications.<br />
ISOcertificationsare<br />
extensivelyexaminedbyan<br />
independentauditortocheck<br />
strictcompliancewithgood<br />
businesspractices.EachISO<br />
Directors of Lineal Software Solutions Ltd: (from left) Doug Matthews,<br />
Matt Norris & Mike Matthews<br />
managementsystemmustbe<br />
continuallyreviewedand<br />
improvedinfutureyears.<br />
ManagingdirectorMike<br />
Matthewspraisedstafffor<br />
theirefforts,explaining:<br />
“Inourindustry,what<br />
mattersmostistrustin<br />
technicalexpertise.<br />
Everythinglooksimpossible<br />
untilyouknowhowtodoit!<br />
Wearesoproudofourteam,<br />
whonotonlytookonthis<br />
intensechallengeovermany<br />
monthsbutsucceeded.Twice.”<br />
Linealattributedpartof<br />
thissuccesstothein-built<br />
advantagesofitsown<br />
SQLWorksERPsoftware–<br />
whichincludedmanyofthe<br />
controlsnecessaryto<br />
implementaquality<br />
managementsystem.<br />
Inparticular,auditors<br />
praisedthewayLineal’sown<br />
softwareautomaticallylogged<br />
aforensicrecordoftheactions<br />
ofLinealstaff,theeffortsof<br />
thecompanytoincorporate<br />
customerfeedback,andthe<br />
team’sworkonsafeguarding<br />
againsterrors.<br />
ThroughouttheISOaudit<br />
processLinealwassupported<br />
byBalazsBagiofImproved<br />
WaysLtd,whomtheythanked<br />
forhisexpertknowledge,<br />
guidanceandtraining.<br />
■ Details01271375999or<br />
lineal.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 5
JAMAICAPRESS<br />
design • print • signs • web • office<br />
HEADER BUDE<br />
Accessible and flexible<br />
business support<br />
design | concepts | logos | brand identity<br />
print | stationery | forms | brochures | books<br />
signs | posters | banners | exhibitions | signs<br />
web | design | domains | seo | hosting<br />
office | supplies | consumables | furniture<br />
01237 452333<br />
sales@jamaicapress.co.uk<br />
<strong>Business</strong> coach and mentor Tina Collins of Accelerate <strong>Business</strong><br />
Consultancy & Solutions, Bude with her dogs<br />
Where do you findsound<br />
businessadvice?<strong>Business</strong><br />
coachandmentorTinaCollins<br />
aimstomakethiseasierafter<br />
launchingAccelerate<strong>Business</strong><br />
Consultancy&Solutions.<br />
Tina,andherhusbandPaul,<br />
ahealthandfitnesscoach,<br />
movedtothearea22yearsago<br />
aftersellingtheirrestaurant<br />
businessinBournemouth.<br />
TheyhadvisitedNorthDevon<br />
forawinterholidaythe<br />
previousyearandappreciated<br />
whatabeautifulareaitisto<br />
bringupchildren.Sothey<br />
returnedhome,soldup,and<br />
movedwesttosettleinBude.<br />
Tinahasaneclecticcareer<br />
history,havingbeena<br />
freelancerandownedbusinesses<br />
asasoletraderandin<br />
partnershipwithherhusband,<br />
aswellasworkingforSMEsin<br />
severalsectorsincluding<br />
hospitalityandmanufacturing.<br />
Nowshehaslaunchedher<br />
ownbusinesssoshecan<br />
supportbusinessownersand<br />
helpthemusetheirprecious<br />
timemoreproductivelyand<br />
avoidcostlymistakes.<br />
“Iunderstandhowdifficult<br />
itistomakeallthedecisions,<br />
whilstbeingsobusyworking<br />
inyourbusinessandtryingto<br />
jugglefamilycommitments<br />
andfire-fightingproblems,”<br />
saysTina.<br />
Feelingtherewasastrong<br />
needforeasilyaccessibleand<br />
flexiblesupportforbusiness<br />
owners,Tinahascreated<br />
optionsforone-offor<br />
occasionalsupporttoaddress<br />
immediateissuesandmonthly<br />
supportsubscriptionsto<br />
provideregularsupporttosuit<br />
individualbudgets.<br />
“Ispeaktobusinessowners<br />
allthetime,whoareworking<br />
reallyhardbutarenotmaking<br />
theprofittheyarehopingfor.<br />
Manybusinessownersdonot<br />
haveanyonetobrainstormwith<br />
orconfidein,oftenrelyingon<br />
familymemberswhocan’t<br />
alwaysbeobjective.<br />
“Iaimtoprovidean<br />
impartialviewandhelp<br />
implementeffective<br />
commercialsolutionsinan<br />
affordableandtimelyway.”<br />
Tina’srangeofservices<br />
includesbusinesssupport–<br />
businessconsulting,personal<br />
mentoring,tacticaladviceor<br />
simplesignposting;business<br />
auditing–toidentifyacohesive<br />
approachandplanofactionfor<br />
aclientbusiness;andtraining<br />
anddevelopment–deliveredas<br />
standaloneworkshops,inhousetrainingorincorporated<br />
withinbusinesssupport.<br />
Understandinghowdifficult<br />
timesare,Tinastronglyurges<br />
anyonewhoisworryingabout<br />
theirbusinessandsurviving<br />
thiswintertotakeuptheoffer<br />
ofacomplimentarystrategy<br />
sessionfortheirbusiness.<br />
■ Details07865098253or<br />
accelerate-business.co.uk<br />
6 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
HEADER BUDE<br />
Face-to-face attendees at Bude Chamber’s monthly event with virtual attendees joining via Zoom<br />
Bude businesses make connections<br />
The Bude & Greater Area<br />
ChamberofCommercehas<br />
justcelebrateditsfirst<br />
birthday,followinga<br />
successfulrelaunchlastyear<br />
afteratwo-yearhibernation.<br />
Thechamber’saimsareto:<br />
➤ representlocalbusinesses,<br />
ofallsizes,ataregionaland<br />
nationallevel<br />
➤ informmembersof<br />
opportunitiesandmatters<br />
ofsignificantinterest<br />
➤ promoteacirculareconomy<br />
➤ supportinitiativesthat<br />
benefitthelocaleconomy<br />
➤ provideaforumto<br />
collaborateandsharebest<br />
practice<br />
When times are hard, many businesses withdraw, but it’s actually<br />
the best time to strike out and make new connections. Editor Robert<br />
Zarywacz met Tina Collins, chair of Bude & Greater Area Chamber of<br />
Commerce, at BBxpo and accepted her invitation to attend one of its<br />
events. The relaunched chamber is growing and looking to establish<br />
connections within the town and further afield<br />
➤ encouragenewbusinesses<br />
tolocateinthearea.<br />
Overthepast12months,the<br />
smallbutenthusiasticsteering<br />
grouphasmadehugestrides<br />
inforginglinkswithallthe<br />
differentgroupsoperating<br />
withinthearea,plusparish,<br />
town,andcountycouncilsand<br />
localtrainingproviders.<br />
TheBudeChamberrecently<br />
votedtochangeitsnameand<br />
catchmentareatotheBude&<br />
Paul Collins of Paul Collins Fitness<br />
GreaterAreaChamberof<br />
Commercetoprovideaccess<br />
tosupportforbusinesses<br />
workingrurallyandwithits<br />
uniquelocationclosetothe<br />
border,foranyonewhohasthe<br />
interesttodobusinessinthe<br />
NorthDevon/Cornwallarea.<br />
Itsaimfor2023istobring<br />
trainingtotheareatoenable<br />
smallbusinessownersto<br />
accessthespecifictraining<br />
theyneedwithouthavingthe<br />
timeandexpenseoftravelling<br />
outofthearea.<br />
Thechamberhasevents<br />
plannedfor2023,including<br />
toursoflocalbusinessesand<br />
networkingevents.<br />
Newmembersarewelcome,<br />
withannualfeesstartingat<br />
£20,andvisitorsarewelcome<br />
toattendmonthlymeetings<br />
eitherinpersonorviaZoom.<br />
Thenextmeetingison<br />
Wednesday19January,<br />
9–10.30amattheNeetside<br />
CommunityCentre,Bude.<br />
■ Detailsbudechamber.ukor<br />
downloadthechamberapp.<br />
Tobookaspeakerslot,call<br />
TinaCollinson07865098253<br />
Keeping fit for business<br />
Paul Collins hasbeenrunning<br />
hispersonaltrainingbusiness,<br />
PaulCollinsFitness,foralmost<br />
10years.<br />
Paulhasworkedalloverthe<br />
worldasachef,butafter20<br />
yearswasreadyforachange<br />
andthefamilyrelocatedto<br />
Budeforitsgoodschools,<br />
community,activitiesopenall<br />
yearandsurf.<br />
Hespentthenext10years<br />
workingasagardener,which<br />
developedintoaroleasafarm<br />
manager,for600acres,100<br />
cattle,and300sheep.He<br />
realisedthathelovedworking<br />
outdoors–after20yearsinhot,<br />
crampedkitchens–before<br />
movingintofitness.<br />
Havingalwaysbeenakeen<br />
sportsman,playingrugbyat<br />
school,competingatcounty<br />
levelatswimmingandweightlifting,itwasaneasytransition<br />
tobecomeapersonaltrainer.<br />
Sincethen,hehascontinuedto<br />
develophisknowledgeandhas<br />
manyprofessionalqualifications<br />
enablinghimtoworkwith<br />
clientswithmorecomplex<br />
healthneeds.<br />
Heisalsotrainedin<br />
intrinsicbiomechanics,which<br />
focusonmovingwell,<br />
particularlyimportantforlongtermhealth.Recentlyhehas<br />
certifiedasamentalhealth<br />
exercisecoachtohelppeopleto<br />
incorporatefitnessintotheir<br />
mentalhealthmanagement.<br />
Paulsays,“Itakeaholistic<br />
approachwitheachclient,<br />
usingarangeofassessment<br />
techniquesandthendesigning<br />
anindividualplanbasedon<br />
theirneeds.Iwantpeopletobe<br />
abletoenjoytheirlivesfully,<br />
feelinghealthyandfit.”<br />
LocatedbetweenBudeand<br />
Holsworthy,Paulhasaprivate<br />
studioforone-to-oneorsmall<br />
groupsforpersonaltraining,as<br />
wellasrunningoutdoor<br />
functionalfitnessclassesonhis<br />
privatefield.<br />
■ Details07800780039or<br />
paulcollinsfitness.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 7
ADVERTISERS HEADER<br />
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Starting January 2023<br />
Do you have a member of kitchen staff who would benefit from learning new<br />
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8 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
North Devoncontinuestotake<br />
greatstridesintelecom<br />
connectivitythanksto<br />
interventionsfromAirband.<br />
Theinternetserviceprovider<br />
(ISP)hasbeeninstalling<br />
superfastbroadbandinrural<br />
areasofBritainsince2009–<br />
andwon’tstopuntileverybody<br />
isconnected.<br />
30+ years’ experience<br />
SalesteamleaderforDevon<br />
andSomersetTonyWatkins<br />
understandsthechallengesof<br />
ruralareasmorethanmost.<br />
Tonyhasworkedinthe<br />
telecomsindustryformore<br />
than30years,duringwhich<br />
timehehasseentechnologies<br />
advanceandevolve.<br />
“Thesimplefactisthatwe<br />
arelivinginaworldthat<br />
dependsonsuperfastinternet,”<br />
saysTony.“AsofApril<strong>2022</strong>,<br />
approximatelytwo-thirdsofthe<br />
world’spopulationislogging<br />
on.That’sastaggering5billion<br />
people–or97zettabytesof<br />
dataperyear.”<br />
Tonyaddsthat93%ofthis<br />
populationaresocialmedia<br />
users–anumberthathas<br />
risenenormouslythroughout<br />
thepandemic.<br />
“Asfamiliesadaptedtofind<br />
newwaystocommunicatewith<br />
eachother,wesawanincreased<br />
relianceonWhatsapp,Zoom,<br />
Facebook.Internetusageisa<br />
fabricofoursocietyandonly<br />
withthefastestspeedscanwe<br />
trulystayintouch.”<br />
Challenges of rural<br />
internet access<br />
AirbandCommunityInternet<br />
Limitedwasfoundedto<br />
provideruralconnectivity<br />
servicesacrosstheWestof<br />
England.Intheearlydays,this<br />
wasknownasFixedWireless<br />
Access(FWA).Since2018,it<br />
hasevolvedintoFibretothe<br />
Premises(FTTP),offering<br />
speedsofupto900Mbps.<br />
Thiswillbringseismic<br />
changetohomesand<br />
businessesintheNorthDevon<br />
area.Thankfully,ithasthe<br />
supportofgovernment<br />
initiativessuchasConnecting<br />
DevonandSomerset.With<br />
thesesubsidies,Airbandhas<br />
hadthepleasureofdeploying<br />
morethan20kmoffibre<br />
cablinginhard-to-reachareas<br />
suchasHartlandQuay.<br />
Developmentslikethese<br />
havehadtremendousimpacts<br />
onlocalbusinesses.Donal<br />
Stafford,owneroftheHartland<br />
BROADBAND HEADER<br />
Superfast broadband provider seeks to leave<br />
no stone unturned<br />
North Devon’s remoteness makes dependable broadband<br />
connectivity even more important for the area’s businesses. Tony<br />
Watkins of Airband discusses how the internet service provider is<br />
working to provide superfast, reliable access for everyone<br />
Airband sales team leader for Devon and Somerset, Tony Watkins<br />
QuayHotel,says:“Connectivity<br />
isreallyimportantforusand<br />
forourguests.Thesystemswe<br />
usenowareallonline,<br />
includingaccountingandhotel<br />
management.Havingfast,<br />
securefull-fibreaccesswill<br />
makeourlivesaloteasierin<br />
termsofmanagingthe<br />
business.Itwillmakeamassive<br />
differenceforus.”<br />
Naturally,deliveringworldclassinternettoremoteareasis<br />
achallenge.Oneofthebiggest<br />
challengesisaccess.Areasmay<br />
beovercrowded,blockedor<br />
evenburiedunderground.<br />
Likewise,legacytechnology<br />
presentsadditionalobstacles<br />
andfundingconstraints.<br />
Butthishasnotdeterred<br />
Airbandinitsmissionto<br />
connectallofNorthDevon’s<br />
homesandbusinesses.With<br />
thehelpofgovernment<br />
initiativesandstrategic<br />
partnerships,theteamhasits<br />
sightssetondelivering<br />
superfastbroadbandto500,000<br />
premisesby2025.<br />
The future of a connected<br />
North Devon<br />
“Westronglybelievethatwe<br />
cantransformourlocal<br />
economybydeliveringworldclassbroadbandspeedsto<br />
NorthDevon,”saysTony.<br />
“Considerhowmanyage-old<br />
industriesarenowrelianton<br />
fastconnectionspeedstostay<br />
operational.<br />
“Farmersusetheinternetto<br />
monitorlivestockmovements.<br />
Ruralbusinessesgetonlineto<br />
exporttheirproductsaround<br />
theworld.Theemergency<br />
servicesneedtobeonalert24<br />
hoursadaytosavelives.None<br />
ofthiswouldbepossible<br />
withouttheinternet,andwe<br />
feelthateverywhereinthe<br />
countryshouldhaveaccessto<br />
thefastestconnectionsavailable.”<br />
Since2019,Airbandhas<br />
beendeliveringonitsnew<br />
Fibre-to-the-Premisesinfrastructure.Thiswouldnothave<br />
beenpossiblewithout<br />
significantsubsidisedand<br />
unsubsidisedcapital<br />
investment,plusthehardwork<br />
oftheNorthDevonteamson<br />
theground.Servingareas<br />
includingIlfracombe,<br />
Barnstaple,Mineheadand<br />
SouthMolton,Airband<br />
continuestoputruralareason<br />
themap.<br />
■ Details07946179465or<br />
airband.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 9
FINANCE HEADER<br />
Age is no barrier to learning<br />
Ageissometimesconsidereda<br />
barrierinthebusinessworld,<br />
butPhilipMilton,managing<br />
directorofPhilipJMilton&<br />
CompanyPlc,hasprovedthat<br />
determinationcanleadto<br />
successatanyage.<br />
Insteadofthinkingabout<br />
retiringat60,Philiprecently<br />
addedtwonewqualifications<br />
tohisCV,achievingChartered<br />
Fellowstatuswithboththe<br />
CharteredInstitutefor<br />
SecuritiesandInvestmentand<br />
theLondonInstituteof<br />
Banking&Finance.Both<br />
qualificationsareopenonlyto<br />
highlyexperienced,senior<br />
financeprofessionals.<br />
BornandbredinNorth<br />
Devon,PhilipisaChartered<br />
WealthManagerandCertified<br />
FinancialPlannerandhasa<br />
Mastersin<strong>Business</strong><br />
Administration(MBA),<br />
havingstartedhisbusiness<br />
some38yearsago.<br />
Nowinhis60thyear,Philip<br />
isamongthemosthighly<br />
qualifiedpeopleintheUK<br />
For he’s a chartered fellow: Philip Milton of Philip J Milton & Company Plc<br />
financeindustryandhasno<br />
plansforretirementinthe<br />
nearfuture.<br />
Philipleftschoolat16and<br />
wentstraighttoworkfora<br />
highstreetbank,before<br />
launchinghisowncompany<br />
fromthebackbedroomathis<br />
parents’homeinGeorgeham<br />
in1985.Itisnowoneofthe<br />
mostrespectedindependent<br />
financialadvisoryandwealth<br />
managementfirmsacrossthe<br />
WestCountry.<br />
HisCharteredFellowship<br />
qualificationsarealsoabout<br />
givingbacktotheindustry<br />
andrecipientsareexpectedto<br />
beamentorambassador,build<br />
publictrustinthesectorand<br />
raiseawarenessoffinanceasa<br />
careeroption.<br />
Theyarealsorequiredto<br />
provideworkplacementsfor<br />
studentsandbeactiveintheir<br />
communities,suchas<br />
improvingawarenessof<br />
financeissuesandassistthose<br />
whomayneedalittlehelp,all<br />
thingsPhiliphasdoneever<br />
sinceheestablishedhisfirm.<br />
Philipsays:“Whateverage<br />
youareandwhateverindustry<br />
youarein,youneverstop<br />
learningandyouneedtobethe<br />
bestyoupossiblycantoserve<br />
yourclientstothehighestof<br />
yourabilityandintegrity.”<br />
“Noindustryremainsstatic<br />
andthefinancesectoris<br />
especiallyfluid,soImustbeat<br />
thetopofmygameandupto<br />
datewithindustrytrends,<br />
howeveruncomfortablethat<br />
canbesometimestoo.<br />
“Weencourageand<br />
promoteacultureof<br />
continueddevelopmentfor<br />
ourstaff,helpingthemtogain<br />
furtherqualifications.<br />
“Morethanthatthough,<br />
theseFellowshipsalsorequire<br />
metosupporttheindustry<br />
andbeactiveinthe<br />
community,whichasafirmwe<br />
do,thoughyoumaynotalways<br />
hearaboutit.”<br />
■ Details01271344300or<br />
miltonpj.net<br />
■ ForthefourthyearPhilip&<br />
Milton&CompanyPlcis<br />
sponsorofthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />
NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>ofthe<br />
YearAward2023.<br />
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Contact : info@tawtech.com<br />
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10 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
SUPPORT HEADER<br />
Distinctly recognisable pastels<br />
Following a successful<br />
business careerinproject<br />
managementinLondon,a<br />
movetoNorthDevon11years<br />
agoofferedDavidRoethe<br />
opportunityto“getbacktomy<br />
roots”andconcentrateonart.<br />
Davidisapastelartistand<br />
drawswithcolouredchalks.<br />
“Theyarepurportedtooffer<br />
thepurestformofpigment<br />
and,incontrasttoother<br />
paintingmethodsand<br />
materials,thecolourismixed<br />
onthepaper,ratherthanina<br />
palette,”saysDavid.“Itis<br />
marvelloustouseyourfingers<br />
tomixthecoloursandidealfor<br />
achievingskintones.”<br />
Davidconcentrateson<br />
contemporaryportraitsof<br />
famousandunknownpeople,<br />
alwayswithlotsoflightand<br />
shadetocreateadistinctimage.<br />
Heisregularexhibitoratthe<br />
BurtonMuseumandGalleryas<br />
wellasatStudioKINDin<br />
Braunton,andrecently<br />
completedasuccessfulsolo<br />
exhibitionandresidencyat20<br />
JoyStreet,Barnstaple,which<br />
generatedhealthysales.<br />
However,ithastakentimeto<br />
establishthissuccess.<br />
“Itisextremelydifficultto<br />
establishoneselfasanartist,<br />
whereveroneis,butperhaps<br />
moresoinanisolatedareathan<br />
wherethereisagreater<br />
infrastructureandopportunity.<br />
“Thereareagreatnumberof<br />
artistsanditisnecessaryto<br />
perhapsbedifferent,do<br />
somethingthatnooneelse<br />
doesandoffersomething<br />
differentfromothers.<br />
“However,withoutthebasic<br />
skillandalotofluck,oneis<br />
unlikelytosucceed.”<br />
Davidhasestablisheda<br />
distinctlyrecognisablestyle,<br />
whichnowenableshimetobe<br />
recognisedandappreciated.He<br />
mixesthecoloursontheactual<br />
paintingitselfandblendsthem<br />
withhisfingers.Hispastel<br />
portraitsaremoody,thought<br />
provokingandincludelotsof<br />
lightandshade.<br />
Davidhasbeenaccepted<br />
forfullmembershipof<br />
WestwardHo!andBideford<br />
ArtSociety,followinga<br />
committeeassessmentofsix<br />
individualpiecesofhiswork,<br />
whichaddstohisstanding,and<br />
isalsoamemberofNorth<br />
DevonArts.<br />
“Iwanttopushmyarttoa<br />
wideraudiencewhomight<br />
appreciatewhatmaybe<br />
consideredanichestyleand<br />
subjectmatter.<br />
“Contemporaryportraiture<br />
isnoteveryone’scupoftea:<br />
somewantcelebrities,others<br />
saycelebritiesdon’tsell!”<br />
Davidaddsthatitis<br />
importanttoconsidertheprice<br />
ofartworks,thecostswhich<br />
needtobecoveredandthe<br />
levelyouarepitchingyour<br />
workat:“Workcanbetoo<br />
cheaportooexpensive,or<br />
perceivedtobeeither,hence<br />
theneedtogettheright<br />
balanceintermsofsaleprice.”<br />
Whileseascapesand<br />
landscapesarepopularinthis<br />
area,Davidrecognisestheneed<br />
toreachawider,more<br />
cosmopolitanaudienceforart<br />
outsidetheseparameters.<br />
“Isellthroughrecognised<br />
galleries,throughexhibitions,<br />
throughwordofmouth,<br />
throughreputationand<br />
throughaloyalfollowingwho<br />
haveoneormoreDavidRoe<br />
pastelsontheirwalls.<br />
“Thereisamarketforart,be<br />
itinNorthDevonorelsewhere,<br />
butlikemanyartists,Idonot<br />
wishtocompromisewhatIdo<br />
welltosecuresales.”<br />
■ Details07860709736or<br />
Instagramdavidroe.artist.2020<br />
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Select plan<br />
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Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Robert on 07971 176044<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 11
BBxpo<br />
BBxpo returnedtoBidefordin<br />
Octoberafterathree-yeargap.<br />
Whiletherangeof<br />
exhibitorswasthebestofthe<br />
threeeventstodate,visitor<br />
footfallwaslowerthanthe<br />
2019expo,demonstratingthat<br />
thereisstillmuchworktodoto<br />
enticevisitorsbacktolive<br />
businessevents.<br />
BBxpo<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />
Co-organisersRobert<br />
ZarywaczandAndrewBowers<br />
arecommittedtore-establishing<br />
themomentumlostduetothe<br />
pandemicandwillbehosting<br />
theeventonceagainin2023.<br />
“Qualityisessentialandwe<br />
sawvaluableface-to-face<br />
conversationstakingplace,”<br />
saysRobertZarywacz.<br />
All the support you need for your business<br />
Exhibitors travelledto<br />
Bidefordfromacrossthe<br />
SouthWest,bringingawide<br />
rangeofservicesandsupport<br />
availabletobusinessesin<br />
NorthDevon.<br />
Withtheoutlookfor<br />
businessin2023very<br />
challenging,aselectionof<br />
support–oftenfullyfunded–<br />
remainsavailableand<br />
businessesarerecommended<br />
totakeupadviceandtraining<br />
offeredbytheseinitiatives.<br />
Localsupportproviders,includingNodeCowork,NorthDevon+andPetroc,are<br />
alwayswillingtodiscusstheirofferingswhileregionalproviders,suchasHeartofthe<br />
SouthWestGrowthHuband<br />
SMARTSkills,arekeento<br />
supportbusinessesinour<br />
moreremotearea.<br />
SocialenterpriseSWIG<br />
Financeisavailabletodiscuss<br />
fundingoptions,whileDevon<br />
&PlymouthChamberof<br />
Commerceaimstosupportall<br />
businessesacrossthecounty.<br />
■ FinddetailsofallBBxpo<br />
exhibitorsatbbxpo.uk<br />
Champagne winner!<br />
Tony Watkins ofAirbandwasthelucky<br />
winnerofthePeakOnlinechampagne<br />
prizedraw.<br />
AndrewBowersofPeakOnlinewascoorganiserofthisyear’sBBxpo.<br />
12 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
BBxpo<br />
Race for the buffet!<br />
Onceagain,theexhibitionconcludedwitha<br />
freenetworkingbuffetwithasumptuous<br />
spreadprovidedbyBidefordCollege.<br />
Afterfourhours,exhibitorsandvisitors<br />
alikewerekeentotuckinandchatoverlunch.<br />
Hedgerow Coffee & Cake<br />
cametolifeinMay<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
OwnerJennyFerrowhadbeen<br />
workinghercoffeevanforfive<br />
yearspreviouslyonapart-time<br />
basistofitinwithheryoung<br />
children’sneeds.Astheygot<br />
olderandshehadmoretime,<br />
Jennyrebrandedsothatshe<br />
couldrunitfull-timeand<br />
achieveherdream.<br />
“Thevangotamakeover<br />
andnowhasahedgerowdesign<br />
alloverit.”saysJenny.“This<br />
drawsattentionwhereverIgo<br />
andpeoplelovethewayitlooks<br />
andworks.Withthenewname<br />
Icanreallyexploremyloveof<br />
goodcoffee,cakemakingand<br />
myloveofthehedgerowflavours<br />
andwildedibleflowers.<br />
“Ihaveexperienceinbaking<br />
fromworkingincafesformany<br />
yearsbutmakingmyown<br />
creationstosellalongsidemy<br />
fantasticcoffeegivesmegreat<br />
satisfaction.Allthecompliments<br />
IreceiveletmeknowI’mon<br />
therighttrack.<br />
“Iworkprivateevents,<br />
publiceventsandalsoparkup<br />
Good coffee and contacts<br />
Jenny Ferrow brought her business – Hedgerow Coffee & Cake – to<br />
BBxpo to provide refreshments. She hadn’t expected to meet new<br />
contacts, but left having found help with applying for a business<br />
grant and discovered lots of other useful business information<br />
Jenny Ferrow of Hedgerow Coffee & Cake serving visitors at BBxpo<br />
atthebeachonsunnydays.I<br />
willtravelanywhereinthe<br />
SouthWestfortherightevent,<br />
butIammainlybasedin<br />
Torridge,NorthDevonand<br />
NorthCornwall.<br />
“Iliketothinkaboutwhat<br />
typeofeventIwillbedoing,<br />
whatthecustomerswillwant<br />
andplanmymenuforeach<br />
eventfromclassicbakesto<br />
moreexperimentalflavours.<br />
Butpeoplealwaysloveagood<br />
coffee,whichiswhyIchoosea<br />
mediumroast,fullofflavour,<br />
fromalocalroasters.Iliketo<br />
addseasonaldrinkstothe<br />
menusuchashomemade<br />
lemonadeforthehotsummer<br />
days,whichisagreatthirst<br />
Advertising competition<br />
Tina Collinswastheluckywinnerofthe<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>BBxpoadvertisingcompetition,receiving<br />
ayear’sadvertisingpackageforherbusiness:<br />
Accelerate<strong>Business</strong>Consultancy&Solutions.<br />
Entrantshadtoguesshowmanydiscarded<br />
disposablelighterseditorRobertZarywaczhad<br />
usedintheconstructionofhisenvironmental<br />
sculpturepicturedabove.<br />
LighterswerecollectedeitheronWoolacombe<br />
beachorfrompavementsaroundthearea.<br />
Theanswerwas294andTina’sguessof305<br />
wastheclosestanswer.<br />
Congratulations,Tina!<br />
AsaresultofmeetingTinaatBBxpo,Robert<br />
paidavisittoBudeandGreaterAreaChamberof<br />
Commerce.ReadaboutthechamberandTina’s<br />
businessonpages6-7.<br />
quencher,andformyChristmas<br />
marketsI’mworkingon<br />
flavouredhotchocolates.<br />
“Iwouldideallyliketofinda<br />
localpitch,nearabusyareaso<br />
thatIcouldcultivatealocal<br />
regularcustomerbase.If<br />
anyoneknowsofagoodspot,<br />
I’malwaysupforsuggestions.<br />
“WhenIwasaskedto<br />
providecoffeeatBBxpo<br />
Bideford,IthoughtIwouldbe<br />
justservingthedrinksasI<br />
didn’tthinkthiseventwould<br />
applytomybusiness,butImet<br />
manyinterestingpeopleand<br />
foundoutaboutapossible<br />
grantIhaveappliedforandam<br />
awaitingtohearwheretheycan<br />
besthelpmeindigital<br />
applicationsandtraining.<br />
“Ihavealsocomeawaywith<br />
manygoodcontactsforthingsI<br />
willneedtodointhefutureto<br />
helpmybusiness,suchas<br />
digitalaccounting.<br />
“Ilefttheeventveryfocused<br />
andenthused.”<br />
■ Details07974655988or<br />
HedgerowCoffee&Cakeon<br />
Facebook<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 13
CONSTRUCTION HEADER<br />
New boss looks to widen construction appeal<br />
RGBBuildingSupplieshas<br />
appointedJennyNayloras<br />
managingdirector.Jennyis<br />
replacingAndyGamble,whois<br />
retiringattheendof<strong>2022</strong>,and<br />
willoverseeRGB’scontinued<br />
growthacrosstheSouthWest.<br />
JennyjoinedRGBfromthe<br />
pharmaceuticalindustryasHR<br />
managerin2005.Shewas<br />
taskedwithcreatingand<br />
developinganinternalhuman<br />
resourcesdepartmentforRGB,<br />
laterassumingtransportation<br />
andhealthandsafety<br />
responsibilities.Shewas<br />
appointedtotheboardasHR<br />
directorin2016,becomingmore<br />
involvedintheoperational<br />
aspectsofthecompany.<br />
AfterRGB’sacquirementby<br />
Grant&Stone,andthe<br />
subsequentmergerwithIBMG,<br />
JennybecamethegroupHR<br />
director,andisnowreturning<br />
toRGB.<br />
Jennycomments:“I’m<br />
delightedtohavebeen<br />
appointedasRGB’smanaging<br />
director.Thebusinesshasa<br />
stronghistoryandisfullof<br />
peoplewhoarepassionate<br />
aboutdeliveringthebest<br />
possibleservicetoour<br />
customers–ourteamhas<br />
helpedthebusinessbecome<br />
oneoftheleadingbuilders<br />
THRIVE<br />
With free business support for sole traders<br />
and SMEs in North Devon<br />
merchantsintheSouthWest.<br />
“I’mlookingforwardto<br />
buildingonoursolidindustry<br />
reputationtomaximisegrowth<br />
andbecomethefirstchoicefor<br />
tradespeopleacrosstheregion.<br />
“IwishAndyallthebest<br />
withhisretirement–hehas<br />
certainlyleftbigshoestofill,<br />
andhewillbemissedbythe<br />
wholeteam.”<br />
AsRGB’sfirstfemale<br />
managingdirector,Jennyis<br />
keentoencouragemore<br />
womentoconsiderthe<br />
industryfortheircareers.<br />
“Peoplehavetheopinion<br />
thatyouneedtohaveatradeto<br />
workinthebuildersmerchants<br />
sector.Ofcourse,thetradesare<br />
vitaltooursuccess,butthe<br />
industryhasawiderangeof<br />
careeropportunitiesonoffer,<br />
suchasHR,merchandising,<br />
productdevelopment,sales,<br />
procurement,finance,and<br />
more.It’sanextremely<br />
supportiveindustry,andI<br />
wouldliketoencouragemore<br />
peopletoconsiderit.”<br />
■ Detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />
If you are a sole trader, micro business or limited company in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth or Torbay,<br />
Thrive is here to support you.<br />
• A 3-hour review meeting leading to a development plan for your business<br />
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Webinars and 1-2-1 sessions will cover a range of topics that will support your business:<br />
Digital Support (websites, SEO, social media, Google Analytics), Leadership, Finance, HR, Innovation,<br />
Marketing and <strong>Business</strong> Planning.<br />
Register online today:<br />
www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/thrive/<br />
14 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
SERVICES HEADER<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 15
HEADER<br />
16 business action | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
AWARDS<br />
business<br />
ACTION<br />
Fourth year of awards<br />
<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>isdelightedto<br />
launchourfourthNorthDevon<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Awardsandwelcome<br />
allbusinessesbasedand<br />
operatinginandaroundNorth<br />
Devontoenter.<br />
Winners Celebration<br />
Thursday 11 May 2023<br />
In<strong>2022</strong>,wecelebratedour<br />
winnersforthefirsttime–due<br />
tothepandemicpreventing<br />
thispreviously–atthe<br />
LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe.<br />
Wewillbeholdingthis<br />
againin2023andwithplans<br />
foranevenmoreexcitingevent<br />
withanevenbiggerpartyfeel.<br />
Wearedelightedtowelcome<br />
NFUMutualBarnstaple&<br />
Bidefordaseventsponsor.<br />
Youcanenteroneormore<br />
ofour12awardscategories–<br />
seerightorvisitourwebsite<br />
forfulldetails.<br />
We’vecreatedtherangeof<br />
categoriestoincludeeverysize<br />
andtypeofbusiness,fromsole<br />
traderstolargecompanies,<br />
fromsmallretailerstobig<br />
manufacturers,fromtrades<br />
peopletodigitalmarketers.<br />
Don’tknowwhichcategory<br />
toenter?Enterseveralanddo<br />
makesurethatyoutailoryour<br />
answersforeachcategory.<br />
Open to every business<br />
in every sector<br />
Doyouthinkthatabusiness<br />
youknowdeservestowinan<br />
award?Thenenterthem.<br />
Youcannominateother<br />
businessestohelpthemachieve<br />
therecognitiontheydeserve.<br />
Enteronlineatourwebsite<br />
andcompletetheformforeach<br />
awardcategory.<br />
Recognising your success<br />
ENTER FROM 27 DECEMBER <strong>2022</strong><br />
Best Employer Award<br />
Recognisesemployerswhoare<br />
committedtoprovidinga<br />
fulfillingenvironmentin<br />
whichtheiremployeesthrive.<br />
Best Retailer Award<br />
Recognisesretailerswho<br />
providethebestshopping<br />
experienceandservice.<br />
<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong><br />
Excellence Award<br />
Recognisesbusinesseswho<br />
provideimportantB2B<br />
servicestootherbusinesses.<br />
Consumer Service<br />
Excellence Award<br />
Recognisesbusinesseswho<br />
provideservicesdirectto<br />
residentsandthepublic.<br />
Digital & Online<br />
Achievement Award<br />
Recognisesbusinesseswhouse<br />
onlineanddigitaltechnologies<br />
andtheinterneteffectively.<br />
Excellence in Building &<br />
Construction Award<br />
Recognisesexcellence<br />
throughoutthebuildingand<br />
constructionsector.<br />
Excellence in Hospitality<br />
& Tourism Award<br />
Recognisesbusinesseswho<br />
attractvisitorstoNorth<br />
Devon,offerthewarmest<br />
welcomeandprovide<br />
experiencestolastalifetime.<br />
International Trade Award<br />
Recognisesbusinessesstarting<br />
orgrowinginternationaltrade<br />
relationshipsandexporting.<br />
Made in North Devon Award<br />
Recognisesmanufacturersand<br />
producerswhoseproductsare<br />
enjoyedlocallyandexported.<br />
Outstanding New<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Award<br />
Recognisesthesuccessofnew<br />
businessesstartedsince2019.<br />
Sustainable <strong>Business</strong><br />
Award<br />
Recognisesbusinessesthat<br />
demonstrateacommitmentto<br />
protectingtheenvironment.<br />
Young Achiever Award<br />
Recognisesthesuccessof<br />
youngpeoplecompleting<br />
trainingorapprenticesor<br />
runningtheirownbusiness.<br />
North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year 2023<br />
Thewinnerofeachcategoryprogressestoouroverallwinnerof<br />
winnersaward–sponsoredbyPhilipJMilton&Companyplc–<br />
forourjudgestoselecttheNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear2023.<br />
business-action.co.uk/awards<br />
Feelingnervousabout<br />
enteringanaward?Don’t<br />
worry:wewelcomeeveryentry<br />
sothatwecancelebratethe<br />
area’sunsungbusinessheroes.<br />
We’llalsobepublishinghelp<br />
andadviceonhowtowrite<br />
yourentries–visitourwebsite<br />
andfollowusonFacebook,<br />
Instagram,Linkedin,Twitter<br />
andYouTube.Getintouch<br />
withusandwe’lltalkyou<br />
throughtheapplicationforms.<br />
Ourawardsaimtobefun,<br />
sojoininandseehowyoudo.<br />
Independent<br />
business judges<br />
Howareawardsjudged?We<br />
haveapanelofexperienced,<br />
independentbusinesspeople,<br />
whoreadalltheentriesand<br />
conductbackgroundresearch.<br />
Sponsorsandjudgescan’tenter<br />
theawardssothatjudgingisas<br />
transparentandfairaspossible,<br />
Entry deadline<br />
Wednesday 1 March 2023<br />
Howarewinners<br />
announced?Thefinalistsin<br />
eachawardscategorywillbe<br />
announcedinmid-March2023<br />
inthismagazine,onourweb<br />
siteandonsocialmedia.<br />
Thisgivesfinalistsplentyof<br />
timetobuytheirticketsforthe<br />
AwardsCelebrationEventon<br />
Thursday11May2023.<br />
Winnerswillbeannounced<br />
atthiseventandinvitedonto<br />
thestageoftheLandmark<br />
Theatre,Ilfracombetoreceive<br />
theirawardsandrecognition.<br />
Sponsor an award<br />
to recognise businesses<br />
Wewelcomesponsorshipof<br />
allawardscategories.Sponsors<br />
receiveadvertisinginthis<br />
magazineandonline,profiles<br />
ontheawardswebsite,<br />
promotioninsocialmedia<br />
posts,ticketstotheWinners<br />
Celebrationandalsopresent<br />
theirawardonstage.<br />
Fordetails,contactusat<br />
awards@business-action.co.uk<br />
■ ThisyearNorthDevon<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Awardsorganiser<br />
RobertZarywaczisdelighted<br />
towelcomeonboardAndrew<br />
BowersofPeakOnlineto<br />
strengthentheteam.The<br />
expandedteamwillenablethe<br />
awardstodeveloptheirfull<br />
potentialinyearsahead.<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 17
ThankyoutoeverybusinessinandaroundNorthDevon<br />
forallyourhardworkandservicein<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
Wesaluteyou!<br />
Wewillcontinue<br />
tosupportyouin2023<br />
andcelebrateyouallinour...<br />
business<br />
ACTION<br />
Enter from 27 December <strong>2022</strong> at business-action.co.uk/awards<br />
YOUR BUSINESS,<br />
OUR SAFE HANDS<br />
Have a real conversation about<br />
your insurance<br />
Having a local office means we’re never far<br />
away if you need us. Give us a call or pop into:<br />
1a Lauder Lane, Roundswell <strong>Business</strong> Park,<br />
Barnstaple, EX31 3TA<br />
01271 343592<br />
4 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, EX39 2PS<br />
01237 408097<br />
J G S May & B C Llewellyn-Rees is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered<br />
in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and<br />
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.
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